Letter: 38f 78 -, Plymouth, April 19th, 1845
The sermon reflects on the importance of trusting God's promises and the discipline found in the life of the Apostle Paul amidst trials.
John Nelson Darby reflects on the lessons learned from the Book of Numbers and the Epistle to the Philippians, emphasizing God's unwavering promises despite the people's complaints and failures. He highlights the significance of Aaron's rod as a symbol of grace and authority, and how God's discipline leads to a deeper understanding of His faithfulness. Darby admires the Apostle Paul's perspective on life and death, noting how his trials shaped his reliance on Christ and his commitment to the church's well-being over personal concerns. This selflessness and peace found in Christ serve as a model for believers to emulate.
Text
p78 [From the French.] * * * I have lately read Numbers and the Epistle to the Philippians with edification. The setting up of the rod of Aaron, priest in grace, while in authority still, after all the murmurings of the congregation; its use, although this was by Moses; the want of its use on the occasion of fresh complaints of the congregation; all this has singularly instructed me. At the same time, when God has judged and disciplined the people, the way in which He immediately speaks (chap. 15) of all His promises and of the land being theirs, as having been given them by Him, touched me very much. His promise and His thoughts for His people are as firm as if nothing had happened. The responsibility, and the food of the priests, as such, and of their families, as families, and the points of difference, I also found very instructive.
What struck me in the Epistle to the Philippians, is the way in which the apostle has his death continually before his eyes; then that the trials he had endured had acted as a wholesome discipline, causing Christ to be everything for him, and himself to be nothing. And what peace that gives! He knows not if he is to be condemned. For himself, the decision of the magistrates does not enter into his thoughts; for himself, he knows not what to choose; but for the church it is good that he should remain: it is decided then. He judges his case by the sole consideration that such a decision will be for the good of the church, and thus Christ will have it decided. Is it thus that we trust in Him, dear brother? Alas! no; at least too often we are not enough divested of ourselves; we cannot say with the apostle, "I have learned." This is what we need to learn. Well, it is the life of this man, so faithful, so devoted, and so gifted by God, the life of the Apostle Paul, instructed and disciplined in this manner, and the perfect calm which he enjoys as the result of this discipline, which has lately edified me in reading this epistle.
Plymouth, April l9th, 1845.
[51038F]
Sermon Outline
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I
- The significance of Aaron's rod in authority and grace
- God's judgment and discipline of His people
- The assurance of God's promises
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II
- The Apostle Paul's perspective on death
- Trials as a means of spiritual discipline
- Christ as central in the believer's life
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III
- The importance of selflessness in faith
- Trusting in God's decisions for the church
- Learning from the Apostle Paul's example
Key Quotes
“His promise and His thoughts for His people are as firm as if nothing had happened.” — John Nelson Darby
“He knows not if he is to be condemned.” — John Nelson Darby
“This is what we need to learn.” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- Reflect on how God's promises remain steadfast despite our circumstances.
- Embrace trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and reliance on Christ.
- Practice selflessness in decision-making for the benefit of the church community.